You hate berry-picking. It always involves a long drive to a far-flung farm in the middle of nowhere, and you always end up making the trip on the hottest day of the year. Midway through the picking process, you usually realize that your child has managed not only to cover themselves in berry juice – but that they have somehow gotten themselves stuck in the bush, as well.
By the time you haul your juice-drenched child and your small, dented container of berries up to the sympathetic-looking woman in the farm tent to pay, you’re sweaty, tired, and more than a little grumpy. As you drive away, you wonder if there’s any way to avoid going through the whole ordeal next year.
As a matter of fact, there is.
Berry bushes are surprisingly easy to plant and maintain – and with a little effort, will provide crops in your own backyard! A stressful trip to the berry farm isn’t necessary to pick the sweet treats you love! Read on for a few suggestions and best practices for choosing, planting, and maintaining your own berry bushes.
Raspberries
Raspberries are delicious in pies, jams, or by the handful! Plus, they grow well in patches and only need a little maintenance each year to produce abundant yields.
This plant typically grows best in direct sunlight, and may need the support of a trellis or fence – so give a bit of thought to where you plant. You should also avoid planting in areas that are too damp or windy. Don’t be concerned if your plant doesn’t show berries immediately; bushes usually only produce them a year after planting.
You won’t need to worry about upkeep – raspberries are self-sufficient plants. The only maintenance you should take up is pruning away dead canes at the end of the year. Doing so will ensure a full crop during the next season. Look forward to a harvest in June and July!
Blackberries
Blackberry bushes can brighten up the shady spots around your home! These plants thrive in indirect light, so you can stick them behind an otherwise unexciting shed or garage. Plus, they take almost no work on your part – just watch out for thorns!
You can expect a harvest in July and August.
Blueberries
Blueberries are the trickiest of the bushes listed here, but their delightfully tart sweetness makes them well-worth the trouble.
These plants grow best in ericaceous, or mildly acidic, soil. Not all yards will naturally have supportive turf, but you can find bags of appropriate soil at your local garden supply store. After planting, though, you can leave the bush alone! Blueberries are low-maintenance, and won’t require any intervention after the initial planting. They also grow best in direct sunlight and will likely show berries three years after planting.
You can plan to harvest in July and August.
Berry-picking doesn’t have to be a hassle if the bushes are in your backyard – so head to a garden store to pick up some plants! You’ll thank yourself once the summer season rolls around again.